Strigiformes – a symbol of wisdom?

Have you noticed that there is a lot of jewelry made in a form of owl? You can buy owl pendants, necklaces, rings, earings and many more. There are pillows, toys, bags, charms, t-shirts, blouses, wallpapers…almost like a trend in fashion.

Owls are magnificent and beautiful birds, but do we know what the owl symbolizes? From the early childhood I have associated the owl with wisdom. There are a lot of stories and tales where one of the hero is an owl, wearing glasses always ready to spread the words of wisdom and give a piece of advice. However, an owl is not only symbolizing wisdom, intuition, ability to see things through, beyond the veil of deception, but it is also considered as a bad omen signifying the imminent death of a close relative or someone important. In some European traditions owl were associated with witchcraft and some believed that owls were witches themselves or even the messengers of devil. Quite a controversial symbol, isn’t it?

I adore owls and prefer to stick to their positive symbolism, I have nothing against wearing them as jewelry, they are so cute. Having said that – here is my own pendant owl, embroidered on white flet, with white, black, gold and pearl seed beads. Finished up with basic beaded edge to join the embroided part with different material, which covers the other side of my work. I hope you like it 🙂